Vidmar’s victory bid hurt by injuries

AURELIO Vidmar's bid for a Socceroos win against lowly Canada in London on Wednesday morning (AEST) got tougher yesterday with the news that Luke Wilkshire and Tommy Oar have both withdrawn from the clash.

Vidmar has been put in charge of the national side for the friendly international against the 106th-ranked side in the world following former coach Holger Osieck's sacking after Australia's 6-0 humiliation in Paris.

Already without Tom Rogic and Brett Holman for the clash at Craven Cottage, Vidmar could have done without further problems but Wilkshire (pictured) and Oar have both been forced out of the match with injury.

Wilkshire, who missed the Socceroos match against Brazil earlier this month due to a lingering knee injury, played 70 minutes against France before being substituted.

After the match Wilk-shire was assessed by the Socceroos medical staff and in consultation with Vidmar, they determined that as part of the ongoing management of the defender's longstanding injury he would not play against Canada.

Wilkshire will instead return to his club Dinamo Moscow to continue his recovery process.

Oar failed a late fitness test before the French game and played no part.

He too has gone back to his club, FC Utrecht, for rehabilitation.

Despite the withdrawals no additional players were expected to be added to the Socceroos squad.